A new event aimed at shining a light on the island’s songwriting talent got off to a strong start on Sunday as Songwriters Spotlight brought original music and the stories behind it to a busy Queens Hotel.
Organised and hosted by Manx musician Joe Martin, the inaugural event saw three songwriters take to the stage for an evening built around original music, inspiration and storytelling.
Nigel Brown, performing as the Wizard of Greeba Mountain, Jeff Jepson and Patrick Knight each performed three of their own songs, explaining the stories and experiences behind them before finishing their set with a cover by an artist who had inspired their own music.
Joe, described as a ‘modern-day troubadour’, opened the evening before introducing the three performers.
The format was designed to offer songwriters a platform to showcase their work without the expectations attached to a full concert or ticketed show.
Joe said: ‘I wanted to start Songwriters Spotlight to shine a light on the talent of artistry here on the island and also create a platform for new writers to showcase material and be discovered by locals.
‘When you’re starting out writing, you need an outlet or some way to showcase your material that isn’t a full set or ticket show with expectations attached.
‘I wanted to create a safe space for artists and listeners alike to share and discover new music and writing. I’m hoping this can grow into something over time.’
‘I think the first Spotlight at the Queens was a success and I think the format works well – three originals, one cover, with some in-depth stories behind the songs,’ Joe said.
‘I’m quite adamant about keeping it a listening event. If you want to have a chat and listen to some background music with some mates, that’s great – there are plenty of places to do that – but Songwriters Spotlight is aiming to be a listening-room-style event.
First to perform was Nigel Brown, whose folk music project, the Wizard of Greeba Mountain, draws inspiration from the Isle of Man’s landscapes, history and folklore.
Rooted in the island’s hills, coastlines and ancient stories, Nigel’s acoustic songs explore themes including landscape, memory, myth and everyday life.
Next was Jeff Jepson, a prolific singer-songwriter who was born in Liverpool and now records and performs on the Isle of Man and beyond.
A familiar figure on the Liverpool acoustic scene, Jeff has supported artists including Richard Hawley, Martin Carthy, Bernard Butler, Dodgy and the Fratellis.
The final songwriter of the evening was Patrick Knight, a young Manx musician who fronts the island-based blues and rock covers band Spotty Dog.
Patrick’s stripped-back performance showcased his songwriting alongside his accomplished guitar playing, with his style drawing comparisons with influential musicians John Martyn and Bert Jansch.
You can listen to the performances back HERE.
The next Songwriters event is expected to take place at the George in Castletown on August 23.
Songwriters of all ages and experience levels are being invited to submit their best original song for the chance to appear on the next line-up.
‘I have a feeling there are a lot of hidden gems regarding songwriters on the island, and I’m determined to find them,’ Joe said.
Joe, who has already enjoyed an eventful music career, is also preparing for his own return to the stage.